METALFORM Mexico - November 7-9, 2006

Nearly 2,000 attendees took the opportunity to view interactive displays and equipment demonstrations during METALFORM Mexico, the only metal stamping, tool and die, forming and fabricating exposition and conference in Mexico. Held November 7-9, 2006 at Centro Banamex in Mexico City, this year's show featured 110 companies displaying their products in 11,000 net square feet of floor space. The Mexico City show, sponsored by the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), has nearly doubled in size since its debut in 2004 in the World Trade Center.

Exhibitors expressed the opinion that METALFORM Mexico shows are improving each year. Scott Walker from Oberg Industries said, "We've been to METALFORM Mexico for the last three years but the 2006 show was the best so far. We met many qualified buyers interested in doing business with Oberg and even have one company visiting one of our facilities this week. Definitely a good show that should help us to acquire some new business!"

Paul Bosler from Mid-State Chemical & Supply Corporation echoed these sentiments stating, "Our group enjoyed ourselves and we came away with some very good opportunities. We immediately committed to the next show in Monterrey."

In addition to the exhibits, the show featured the METALFORM Mexico Educational Conference. There, 75 attendees took the opportunity to attend a variety of educational sessions aimed at improving their industry knowledge and skills. The conference offered 23 technical sessions in five focused tracks that encouraged new and creative ways to improve productivity and profitability. Topics included tool and die and pressroom solutions, vibration control, lubricants, value-added processes and technologies and business strategies.

Wednesday, November 8, was "Industry Discovery Day," where nearly 100 local students were hosted by PMA partner MOLTRO, a Mexican association that provides education and training to tool and die makers. In addition to escorting the students around the show floor, MOLTRO hosted several educational sessions, including an introduction to the metalforming industry, tool and die apprenticeship programs and career opportunities.